Patel, Odhiambo set up Kenya win

KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 08: Rakep Patel of Kenya during the Africa T20 Cup match between Free State and Kenya at Diamond Oval on September 08, 2017 in Kimberley, South Africa. (Photo by Louis Botha/Gallo Images)

A blistering half-century by Rakep Patel paved the way for Kenya to make a winning start to the Africa T20 Cup after they cruised past the Kloppers Expert Free State Team by six wickets in their opening Pool C encounter at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Friday.

The captain plundered three sixes and 10 fours in his 44-ball 74 to help his side cruise to their 148-run victory target with 10 balls to spare.

Seamer Nehemiah Odhiambo also played a key role for the Kenyans after his four for 23 had initially ensured the Free Staters were restricted to 147/7 in their 20 overs.

The Africans won the toss at the start and chose to bowl first with only Diego Rosier (44) and Leus du Plooy (37) making substantial contributions.

Corne Dry struck a quick-fire 19 from nine balls late on to give the home side a fighting chance.

And their prospects were bolstered further after Andrew Rasemene (1/20), Shadley van Schalkwyk (1/23) and Dry (1/15) reduced Kenya to 33/3 inside six overs.

But skipper Patel and veteran Collins Obuya combined for a 93-run fourth-wicket stand to put their side in a powerful position.

Obuya eventually ended unbeaten on 43 off 29 to guide his side over the line for a vital win.